ENCOURAGE & BUILD UP

“Therefore encourage
one another and build up one
another, just as you also are doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
New American Standard Bible

The history of cheerleading gives great insight into the power of encouragement. The inspiration to jump out in front of the bleachers came from a fan who had written to the school newspaper to complain that the losing team would start winning if it had the backing of the fans. One of the university’s professors took this statement one step further and declared that the collective stimuli of hundreds of students, focused on sending positive encouragement, would turn the tide of their losing streak. A first year medical student latched on to the theory and moved the cheers to the game. His example filtered to other campuses, paving the way for bigger changes.

We find a great biblical example of an encourager in the person of Barnabas, ‘the son of encouragement’ (Acts 4:36). He was a man who gave encouragement and consolation to his friends, becoming one of the most respected persons in the church in Jerusalem. Barnabas was the mentor of the apostle Paul. He encouraged the Jerusalem church to accept Paul as an apostle of Christ, convincing them that he was sincere. He became John Mark's mentor when Paul refused to take him on a missionary journey.

Every believer should engage in the ministry of encouraging and building other brothers and sisters in the faith. Furthermore, Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.” We should look for opportunities to promote growth in the Christian wisdom, affection, grace, virtue and holiness.

The Day of the Lord is at hand. Yes, we all need to know how to encourage ourselves in the Lord. But, often we need someone to ‘come along side’ to exhort, comfort and encourage us in the ways of God. We all have enough ‘haters’! We need some kingdom builders and holiness promoters. Today, find someone who you can encourage in the Lord and exhort them in righteousness and holiness.